Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken: Easy Recipe & Tips

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a journey through the rich landscape of Chinese cuisine. This beloved dish combines succulent, crispy chicken with a vibrant, tangy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors that dance on your palate. Believed to have originated from the traditional Chinese sweet and sour pork, the adaptation to chicken has become a favorite in Western Chinese restaurants, offering a lighter, yet equally tantalizing experience.

Ingredients

• Chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Batter:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 egg, beaten
• Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• Vegetables:
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
• For frying:
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions

Preparing the Batter and Chicken

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add Liquids: Gradually mix in the water and beaten egg to the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Making the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic paste. Bring to a simmer.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 5 minutes.

Final Assembly

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pan, sauté the bell peppers and onions until just tender.
2. Add Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken and pineapple to the vegetables. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
3. Serve: Serve your crispy sweet and sour chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips and Variations

• Achieving Crispiness: For extra crispy chicken, let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. This helps the batter set.
• Batter Variations: Add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the batter for an extra flavor kick.
• Sauce Adjustments: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the amounts of sugar and vinegar to taste.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 500mg

Conclusion

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken is a versatile dish that brings the essence of Chinese cooking into your kitchen. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Don’t hesitate to explore variations and find your perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and sour.